Meet the Makers: LVW Creative Barracks - Haldimand County Tourism

YOUR MASTERPIECE IS WAITING TO BE CREATED

While we might not all be natural born Picassos, all of us possess the power to create and express ourselves. We all have something to say that’s worth sharing with the world. Celebrating this universal need and desire to create, LVW Creative Barracks was established to provide an outlet for anyone in the community seeking to tap into their creative potential and convey their unique perspective.

“The Barracks is a fully immersive community arts studio, a welcoming home for the pursuit and expression of creativity, whether you’re just beginning to explore your creative side or have been involved with art your entire life,” says founder Lacie Williamson, an accomplished visual artist and arts educator. “We’re here to foster makers and creators of all ages, backgrounds and styles by offering a creative space to play, learn and share.”

A self-taught artist, Lacie uses her own artistic learning journey as the foundation for LVW Creative Barracks, where she enthusiastically educates, guides and inspires children, families and adults. Employing both her artistic skills and contagious energy and sense of adventure, Lacie’s mission for LVW Creative Barracks is to provide a dynamic and stimulating yet casual and easygoing atmosphere for all ages to learn, create, share and celebrate their artistic passion.

The simple basic philosophy of LVW Creative Barracks is that art and creativity should be fun, not something to fear. “We want the experience to be, enjoyable and inspiring,” says Lacie, who views her role as teacher as more of a facilitator and motivator. “More than anything, we want visitors to leave knowing their own unique creative experience and perspective are valued, appreciated and celebrated no matter their skill level. Everyone has unique creative abilities and gifts that make the world a better place when they’re shared, you just have to be brave enough.”

For those who have visited LVW Creative Barracks, the main reason for its success is Lacie. Regarded as an amazing teacher and admired for her engaging attitude, she works to ensure everyone who participates in her classes and sessions feels great about their paintings. Especially adept at working with kids and helping to bring out their best, Lacie has received praise from several parents. As one mom states, “Lacie has been amazing! She has helped my son come so far in his artwork through her patience and encouragement.”

Lacie’s talent, spirit and presence are equally admired and appreciated by adult students. “It doesn’t matter if you’re a newbie or a pro at painting,” says one recent adult participant. “Lacie goes at a nice, steady, relaxing pace and doesn’t make you feel like you’re being rushed through each step. I’ve done the adult classes and she makes them easy for those who may be artistically challenged. She’s very encouraging and supportive. I look forward to each class.”

A marker drawing of a shark wearing a tshirt and glasses

Established in 2017, LVW Creative Barracks is a full-service art studio and gallery offering classes and events for people of all ages and abilities. Along with its professional studio, LVW Creative Barracks also features a beautiful gallery space and inviting lounge, while the family gift shop sells handmade items from local makers and artisans, including baby accessories and clothing, adult fashion and jewellery, home decor, creative kits, puzzles, stationary and, of course, original works of art.

“Our workshop studio space currently seats ten people, based on Covid protocols, and we have additional space for hosting small group meetings or bubble events,” explains Lacie. “Our lounge is equipped with comfortable couches, a projection screen for films and video games, a library of books on arts and culture, and an electronic sound studio with free wi-fi for visitors, which makes our location a fun venue for kids birthday parties.”

LVW Creative Barracks offers classes and courses for children as young as four, youth, teens, and adults. “We are working to bring a variety of recreational and therapeutic arts experiences to our community, spanning all ages and tastes,” says Lacie, who has served Haldimand through her arts-based community volunteerism for over a decade.

Lacie has received wide recognition for her volunteerism and achievements as a visual artist throughout Southern Ontario, including the 2019 Haldimand County Youth Entrepreneur of the Year Award, 2017, St. Catharines Emerging Artist Nominee, and Haldimand County Volunteer of the Year Nominee in 2015.

Dedicated to improving the community through the power of art, LVW Creative Barracks hosts a variety of creative opportunities, including free family events and are proud sponsors of notable community organizations, such as Haldimand Art Works, and Pride Haldimand Norfolk. “We also love to partner with local businesses to offer unique retreats and experiences,” says Lacie.

Pillows decorated with stylized peacocks

Always looking for ways to make art and creativity accessible, LVW Creative Barracks is proud to offer special kits and online activities for all ages. “We offer a variety of items in our online shop, including activity boxes that include locally published colouring books, and activity kits. Every kit includes the necessary tools and materials, a corresponding online tutorial and additional online resources to make creating at home fun and easy.”

“We offer a variety of items in our online shop, including Barracks Box Monthly Subscription Activity Boxes,” notes Lacie. The 3-Month Barracks Box Subscriptions are a great way to give the gift of creative learning.

As the writer Maya Angelou stated, “You can’t use up creativity; the more you use, the more you have.” Exemplifying this philosophy in everything it does, LVW Creative Barracks is dedicated to making art and creative expression an integral part of the community. “Creativity is an important human resource that we are all capable of harnessing,” Lacie says. “We need to feel safe and supported to push boundaries, make progress and to create with purpose, and that’s what we are all about.”